The objective is to provide grants to local units of government and to the state to develop land for outdoor recreation.

Criteria:

Applications are evaluated using four criteria:  project need, applicant history, site and project quality, and allignment with the state's recreation plan.  In 2009, the fourth criterion is determined to be primarily trails, community outdoor recreation, green technology in outdoor recreation, universal access and coordination and cooperation among recreation providers.  This criterion was developed based on the recently updated 2008-2012 Michigan Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).  At least 50% match is required from local government applicants.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) makes recommendations to the National Park Service (NPS) on which applications to fund and NPS grants final approval.  Detailed information on all four criteria can be found in the "Recreation Grants Application Guidelines" booklet provided with the application materials.

The DNR's use of federal Land and Water Conservation Funds is guided by the SCORP, which was developed by the DNR and approved by NPS.   The current SCORP is being updated for 2008-2012.   Projects selected for funding must be consistent with the content of the SCORP. 

Applicant Eligibility:

Any unit of government, including Native American tribes, school districts, or any combination of units in which authority is legally constituted to provide recreation.  Local units of government, school districts, and local authorities must have a DNR-approved community five-year recreation plan to be eligible.

Application Process:

1.      Submittal of a community recreation plan.

2.      Submittal of a grant application.

3.      Evaluation by DNR staff.

4.      Recommendation by the DNR to the NPS.

5.      Final approval of project by the NPS.

Deadline(s):

Applications must be submitted to Grants Management and postmarked (by the U.S. Postal Service) no later than March 1, 2009.  To be eligible to apply for a recreation grant, the applicant's recreation plan must be approved and on file with Grants Management on or before the grant application deadline of March 1, 2009.  To meet this deadline, it is recommended that applicants submit locally adopted recreation plans to Grants Management at least one month prior to the application deadline. 

Timeline(s):

Grant awards are dependent on NPS approval, but in general grant awards can be made 9 to 12 months after the application deadline. 

Dollar Amount(s) Available:

The minimum grant request amount is $30,000 and the maximum grant request amount is $75,000.

Source(s) of Funds:

Federal  Land  and Water Conservation Fund.

Authority:

Part 703 of P.A. 451 of 1994, as amended.

Contact(s):

Grants Management/Deborah Apostol 517-335-3046, apostold@michigan.gov

Fiscal Year 2008 Funding Available:

Not determined at this time, dependent on federal Fiscal Year 2009 apportionment.